Mad about hats and food – The Pheasant gets a faceliftBy John Fortgang
In July of last year Jane King acquired The Pheasant restaurant and pub in Ballinger. Formerly a milliner by profession, she has long wanted to run her own restaurant and bar. She has always enjoyed entertaining and being in the company of others and found millinery a bit of a lonely existence.
A successful milliner obviously knows a thing or two about good design and Jane has very effectively applied her knowledge to the refurbishment of The Pheasant, now known as Hatters Bar and Restaurant, although The Pheasant sign will remain. As she was in the habit of taking photos of her merchandise the walls of the bar and restaurant are adorned with evidence of Jane’s former life.
Jane has lived in the area for many years, and having decided on a career change realised that The Pheasant would be the ideal place. She says that the local people are ‘lovely’ and very supportive, and have welcomed her to the village. As she puts it, “The Pheasant will fly again”.
She felt that what was wanted locally was both a bar and a restaurant and hopes that she is fulfilling a need on two fronts.
The chef is Aaron Callaby, a friend of Jane’s daughter Abigail (who at present helps her mother there), and the sous-chef is Oliver White. Jane herself is also an experienced cook and operates a very hands-on approach to the menu. They try to be innovative while aiming to satisfy all tastes. She is quickly getting to know her guests, some of whom even turn up wearing hats, and on Friday evenings there is live music played by a local jazz musician.